Who
was Queen Victoria?by Kate Hubbard
(Short Books)
This is a very readable and comprehensive biography of Victoria. It manages
to bring to life many of the well-known names of the era and how they
interacted with the Queen. It not only brings in the facts that are usually
taught in school but adds titbits of information that many will find fascinating
e.g how she never slept in her own room, the tantrums she threw, the items
she knitted for the soldiers. All these add up to make her a more human
person, one who although she was Queen showed traits that many a reader
will share.
(reviewed by Anne Bothwell)Ages 8+Buy
from Amazon

Who
was William Shakespeare? by Rupert Christiansen
(Short Books)
This book has a wealth of detail about Tudor England which will be of
interest to any lover of the period. It brings to life the period in which
Shakespeare lived and the variety of people with whom he might have come
in contact. The theatre, court, travelling players, ordinary folk, they
are all here. However, Shakespeare himself is a will-o-the wisp: someone
mentioned but not really substantial. Little is known of him so, although
questions are asked (why didn’t Stratford-upon-Avon know he was
a writer?), this tale is more about Tudor England than about its most
famous playwright.
(reviewed by Anne Bothwell)Ages 8+Buy
from Amazon